The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) in collaboration with the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development have arrested 13 suspected illegal miners operating in Kakafu village in Pategi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The suspects are, Buba Mohammed, Yusuf Umar, Surajo Shehu, Abubakar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Quadri Sulaiman and Nwafor Chinonso.
Others are: Abdullahi Isa, Mustapha Mohammed, Buhari Hassan, Basiru Jafaru, Murtala Jafaru and Jafaru Abdullahi.
They were arrested on Tuesday, August 30 in a joint operation, following credible intelligence received by the EFCC on some suspected illegal miners operating in the area.
Five trucks fully loaded with different brands of solid minerals were recovered from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were not paying royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.
When contacted, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the development .
Uwujaren further disclosed that the suspects will be charged to court, once investigations are concluded.
